Glaciers, volcanoes and the Golden Circle

Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, is not a large city (population: 123,000), and its location just outside the Arctic Circle means the shortest winter days have only a few hours of sunlight. But what Reykjavik lacks in numbers, it makes up for with a fascinating history, vibrant nightlife, natural beauty and a creative spirit.

Reykjavik can serve as a hub for visitors looking to explore the island’s unusual landscapes, volcanoes, glaciers and hot springs. NTA member and receptive tour operator GJ Travel Iceland is very experienced with immersing the city’s visitors in the country’s wonders (and in those hot springs). On the company’s Northern Lights-themed evening tours, guides take into account cloud cover and the aurora forecast, and their guests are taken away from the city’s light to maximize their chances of seeing the colorful streaks that light up the Arctic skies. Other popular day-trip options include whale-watching, puffin spotting and horseback riding tours.

GJ Travel also offers multi-day packages that focus on particular regions of Iceland. Its Best of South Iceland itinerary includes the Golden Circle’s Thingvellir National Park, the volcanic Reykjanes Peninsula and the powerful Gullfoss waterfalls, as well as glaciers and the black-sand beaches of the southern coast.